In response to the climate challenge, the cement industry is seeking to reduce CO2 emissions associated with clinker production. This study investigates the formulation of low-carbon LC3 cements using a binary clay blending strategy that combines a highly reactive clay (70% kaolinite) with a local clay containing only 2.6% kaolinite. A mixture design methodology was applied to develop and optimize formulations with 40% and 50% clinker, incorporating calcined clays, limestone, and phosphogypsum. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of producing LC3 cements that meet standard strength classes. In 50% clinker formulations, incorporating up to 13.2% of the low-kaolinite clay yields a 42.5 N cement, with profit margins between 23330.9 and 23528.9 CFA francs per ton. Similarly, incorporating up to 27.2% of low-kaolinite clay results in a 32.5 R cement, with profit margins ranging from 23330.9 to 23738.9 CFA francs per ton for 50% clinker formulations, and from 29844.8 to 29945.3 CFA francs per ton for 40% clinker formulations. Overall, this binary clay blending approach offers a sustainable, economically attractive, and innovative pathway for decarbonizing the African cement industry.
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